Imagine conquering countless trails without a single itch in sight. That's the Tecnu dream! This handy cleanser washes away the nasty rash-causing oil (urushiol) from your skin (and gear!) after any exposure to poison ivy, oak, or sumac. ️
Think you ran into poison ivy? No worries! Tecnu Original Outdoor Skin Cleanser is a poison ivy wash created to combat urushiol. This effective yet gentle soap is the first line of defense against a potential rash. It works to wash away the oil before it takes hold.
It's best to act within the first 8 hours after exposure. Apply Tecnu Original directly to dry skin, massaging thoroughly for two minutes. Rinse with cool or tepid water to remove the rash-causing oil.
If you are not near a water source. you can simply wipe it off with a cloth. Remember, time is of the essence. The sooner you act, the higher your chance of preventing the rash altogether.
Even if a poison ivy or oak rash develops, Tecnu Original remains your ally. Removing unbonded urushiol oil will prevent further spread.
And beyond the immediate application, Tecnu Original safeguards your gear. Apply it to potentially contaminated objects like tools, clothing, or pet fur. Coming in contact with objects that have urushiol on them can start a new rash.
So, ditch the itch and embrace the adventure! With Tecnu Original by your side, every trail becomes a possibility, not a potential itchy nightmare. Get your bottle of freedom today!
Fun fact: The name "Tecnu" was given by its inventor (Doctor Robert Smith), meaning "technically new"; you have likely seen it misspelled as Tech Nu or Technu Outdoor Skin Cleanser.
Removes poison oak and ivy oil, urushiol, that causes rash and itching
Tecnu is most effective when used within the first two hours after exposure or as soon as rash appears
Warnings:
Keep out of reach of children.
For external use only.
Should not be applied to raw or oozing area of skin.
If redness occurs, discontinue use and consult a physician.
Keep out of eyes and other mucous membranes.
Directions: Before the rash has started:
Apply Tecnu to exposed unwetted skin within 8 hours after exposure to poisonous plants.
Rub vigorously for 2 minutes to remove oil and other contaminants from skin. If hyper-sensitive, wash entire body with Tecnu.
Rinse skin clean with cool running water or wipe off with a cloth. Repeat.
As soon as rash appears:
Apply Tecnu to affected skin and surrounding areas. For best results apply to entire body. Rub in for 2 minutes but avoid breaking the skin.
Rinse with cool running water to remove Tecnu and poison oils. If itching persists, reapply Tecnu, then rinse in a very warm shower (not a bath).
Towel dry gently
Repeat as necessary and before retiring.
To clean pets:
Saturate a cloth with Tecnu and wipe down the pet's coat.
Follow with pet shampoo and water bath.
Tecnu can also remove skunk spray from your pet's fur.
To clean clothing:
Saturate unwetted clothing with Tecnu in a bucket for several minutes.
Launder by itself with detergent and hot water.
Check for color fastness by testing a concealed corner of the fabric.
To clean tools:
Wipe down tools with a cloth saturated with Tecnu.
Wash with soap and water.
To remove sap and pitch:
Apply Tecnu directly and rub until stain dissolves to clean pitch, tree sap, road tar, grass stains and other substances from skin, tools and clothing.
Wash with soap and water.
Frequently Asked Questions about Using Tecnu Original Outdoor Skin Cleanser
It is best to use Tecnu Original Outdoor Skin Cleanser in the shower. Tecnu Original bonds with the urushiol to remove it from the skin, and in the shower, the urushiol will wash down the drain with the water. In a bathtub however, the oil can disperse into the water and possibly spread to other areas of your body.
Tecnu Original Outdoor Skin Cleanser is designed to be used full strength. To use, apply the cleanser directly to the skin (or item being cleaned) without adding water. Rub vigorously for 2 minutes into the affected area and then follow up by rinsing with water or wiping off with a cloth. If water is mixed with Tecnu Original before application, it will be diluted and not effective.
If you are looking for a cleanser to use with water, while taking a shower for instance, we recommend using Tecnu Extreme Poison Ivy Scrub which is designed to be used with water.
No, using Tecnu Original Outdoor Skin Cleanser before exposure to poison ivy will not help prevent the rash. Tecnu Original is a cleanser that is formulated to unlock the urushiol bond with your skin so you have to use afterward to wash off the poison ivy oil.
Tecnu Original Outdoor Skin Cleanser is a cosmetic cleanser that does not contain an active drug ingredient that would interfere with taking an oral antihistamine such as Bendaryl.
Yes, however, consult your physician first. During pregnancy you are more likely to develop allergies, so use with caution. Nursing mothers should thoroughly rinse Tecnu Original from their skin.
Yes, you can use Tecnu Original Outdoor Skin Cleanser on your face, but use at your discretion. Tecnu is a detergent, and if you have sensitive skin, irritation may occur. Definitely do not use Tecnu near your eyes.
Do not physically MIX Tecnu & other medications, this may cause irritation or reaction. Always use Tecnu Original Outdoor Skin Cleanser and other products separately. When using other medications, cleanse with regular soap before applying Tecnu. Thoroughly rinse Tecnu before applying any other medications.
The sooner you remove urushiol from your skin the better as the poison ivy and oak rash is caused by your body's reaction to the bond of the plant's oil to your skin. Everyone's body is different so some people react to urushiol sooner than others which is why we have a time range on there. We have found that, for most people, it is best to remove the oil within 2-8 hours of exposure.
When using Tecnu Original Outdoor Skin Cleanser on items such as clothing, fabric, or painted surfaces, we recommend spot testing in an inconspicuous area first to test for color-fastness. Apply Tecnu Original to the test area, allow it to sit for a couple of minutes, then wipe down with a cloth saturated in water.
Tecnu is a cleanser and does not have an expiration date. However if you notice it is turning a yellowish or brown color, it is no longer good and you should replace it. Be sure to shake Tecnu Original before using.
Tecnu Outdoor Skin Cleanser can be used without water. Shake the bottle well, wipe the product on the area where you need to remove urushiol, and then wipe off with a cloth.
The problem with dogs running through poison oak is that the oil will stay on their fur until it is removed. The only way to prevent having to clean your dog daily would be to keep her from coming in contact with the plants in the first place, such as keeping her close on a leash or taking a different path that does not contain poison oak. To remove the oil, you can use Tecnu Original Outdoor Skin Cleanser. Saturate a cloth with Tecnu Original and wipe down her coat. Follow up with a pet shampoo and water. You want to make sure to remove all of the Tecnu so that she doesn't lick her fur and ingest it.
Tecnu breaks the bond that the poisonous oil makes with the proteins in our skin, it does not break it down, chemically into inert substances. It may be possible that some of the oil residue could reside where you rinse off, but we have never tested that theory. We have never heard of anyone becoming re-contaminated from such exposure.
Tecnu Original Outdoor Skin Cleanser removes the urushiol from your skin the first time you use it. You can repeat use to remove any urushiol you missed or to remove any urushiol oils that you have come in contact with after the first use.
Tecnu Original is a skin cleanser that is safe to use as often as you would like. However, if it starts drying out your skin or irritation occurs, discontinue use.
Tecnu Original Outdoor Skin Cleanser is a cleanser that removes the oil that causes poison ivy and oak rash. At this point, you are better off using a product with an anti-itch medication to relieve your itching.
Anything that can be carried along with steam has the potential to be breathed into the lungs. It's always advised to use Tecnu Original in a cool shower to keep from opening the skin's pores.
Yes, Tecnu Original is safe to use on your children when used according to directions. Be sure to thoroughly rinse the area after use to ensure that any residue has been washed away.
Follow the directions on the label for "As Soon as Rash Appears:" 1. Rub Tecnu Original Outdoor Skin Cleanser on affected skin & surrounding areas. Avoid breaking skin. 2. Rinse off with cool running water (not a bath) to remove Tecnu & poison oils.
You can use Tecnu Original before using a hydrocortisone ointment. Just make sure to wait at least 3 days after using a hydrocortisone ointment, before using Tecnu.
The reason is that the use of hydrocortisone thins the skin, allowing any topical application to the skin to penetrate more readily. If you are slightly sensitive to a detergent, like Tecnu Original Outdoor Skin Cleanser, it will aggravate the skin more quickly and severely.
For the initial wash with Tecnu after exposure to poison oak or poison ivy, it is best to use cold water. Hot water opens the pores, which can allow the urushiol to penetrate deeper, possibly increasing your chances of developing a rash.
If the poisonous oil has already penetrated the epidermal layer of the skin and bonded to the deeper skin cells, it's too late to stop the reaction from occurring. The benefit of using Tecnu Original Outdoor Skin Cleanser is if there is still urushiol oil on the top layer of skin, Tecnu will remove it and prevent further contamination.
Keep in mind that the body grows new skin underneath the blistered area. This new skin area is usually a dark red and even looks bruised on some individuals depending on skin type. This difference in coloring blends in a few weeks and doesn't leave permanent marks.
31 reviews for Tecnu Original Outdoor Skin Cleanser
Rated 5 out of 5
Patrick (verified owner)–
Best stuff ever. Been using it for years with great results.
Rated 5 out of 5
Jean (verified owner)–
Tecnu was recommended to us by a naturalist at Jefferson Memorial Forest in Louisville KY. It really is a superb product, we keep it on hand at all times. Not only have we found it to work well with poison ivy, sumac, etc, but I found that it works really well as a SKUNK odor remover too! Both my cat and I are happy to have discovered that hidden benefit.
Rated 5 out of 5
Matt (verified owner)–
Hello. I do not typically contact companies with comments or praise, however I wanted to let you know how much my wife and I appreciate your product. At 4:30 this morning my dog was sprayed with a skunk. After frantically looking for something to use, my wife found my poison ivy soap (Tecnu) and I tried it. Long story short, it works! I washed my dog twice and it went away. After washing him twice I "sniffed him over" and still smelled a little on his front paws. I washed his paws again and it took care of the smell. I just wanted to let you know that you make a great product!
Rated 5 out of 5
Sharon (verified owner)–
I LOVE this product!! My property has been neflected for years because it is overrun with poison ivy. Now I can be out all day pulling it off trees and digging it out of the yard. When I'm done I go in and scrub really good with the cleanser... Please continue making this. This product is truly amazing.
Rated 5 out of 5
Stephen Durrenberger (verified owner)–
I first heard about your product, Tecnu, from a power linesman, when I was a pharmacist, practicing in CT, in the late 80's. I have been using it since then and have recommended it to dozens of people. It has saved my children and me from many an encounter with Poison Ivy!!! My son and I took it on camping trips, when we lived in WV due to the overwhelming abundance of ivy, there. I now live in Florida and continue to spread the word!! I can say, without exaggeration, that Tecnu is one of the most important products for anyone who spends time in the wilderness where these plants abound!! Thank you!!!!!!!
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This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this Website.
Patrick (verified owner) –
Best stuff ever. Been using it for years with great results.
Jean (verified owner) –
Tecnu was recommended to us by a naturalist at Jefferson Memorial Forest in Louisville KY. It really is a superb product, we keep it on hand at all times. Not only have we found it to work well with poison ivy, sumac, etc, but I found that it works really well as a SKUNK odor remover too! Both my cat and I are happy to have discovered that hidden benefit.
Matt (verified owner) –
Hello. I do not typically contact companies with comments or praise, however I wanted to let you know how much my wife and I appreciate your product. At 4:30 this morning my dog was sprayed with a skunk. After frantically looking for something to use, my wife found my poison ivy soap (Tecnu) and I tried it. Long story short, it works! I washed my dog twice and it went away. After washing him twice I "sniffed him over" and still smelled a little on his front paws. I washed his paws again and it took care of the smell. I just wanted to let you know that you make a great product!
Sharon (verified owner) –
I LOVE this product!! My property has been neflected for years because it is overrun with poison ivy. Now I can be out all day pulling it off trees and digging it out of the yard. When I'm done I go in and scrub really good with the cleanser... Please continue making this. This product is truly amazing.
Stephen Durrenberger (verified owner) –
I first heard about your product, Tecnu, from a power linesman, when I was a pharmacist, practicing in CT, in the late 80's. I have been using it since then and have recommended it to dozens of people. It has saved my children and me from many an encounter with Poison Ivy!!! My son and I took it on camping trips, when we lived in WV due to the overwhelming abundance of ivy, there. I now live in Florida and continue to spread the word!! I can say, without exaggeration, that Tecnu is one of the most important products for anyone who spends time in the wilderness where these plants abound!! Thank you!!!!!!!